About 2 weeks ago, just before the Easter break I made a simple crocheted braided headband for my daughter. I realised I’ve never made her a braided headband and I’ve always wanted to make one for her.

It is very easy to make and a great quick project if you are new to crochet.

I love how this style looks very intricate but so easy to make – not at all tricky. I think it looks particularly well when there are 2 contrasting colours in the braid.

Making the braid is just a matter of making chains and working a series of double crochets in the chains – you make 3 of these and then make a standard braid. No need to make any cabled stitches so this is perfect for beginners.

I’ve made this into a tutorial rather than a written pattern. It is more versatile this way so you can use your preferred yarn weight and hook size. You can make the headband chunky or thin, however you like.

This tutorial is for this particular headband I made so it’s the perfect size for a child. My daughter is 7 years old and it fits her perfectly.  I’ve included the measurement for adult size if you would like to make a bigger version. You can always adjust the length by adding or removing chains.  Just remember, you will be braiding the 3 pieces together so the length of the headband will shorten as the braids come together. It will shorten by about 2 to 2.5″/5-6cm in length.

You will need:

1 or 2 balls of yarn in your choice of colour/s and weight
Crochet hook (correct size for the yarn you’re using)
Scissors
Yarn Needle

Child Size:
Make a series of chains that will measure about 19.5″/50cm long (from the 1st chain to the last chain). Skip the first 3 chains and work 1 double crochet (US term) in each of the next chain stitches until the end. Chain 3 then slip stitch to the base (foundation chain – refer to below photo to see where you need to make your slip stitch).  Fasten off, make a knot and weave in yarn tail.

**Make 3 strips, ensure to leave one strip with a long tail (about 15″/40cm) for sewing.**

Adult size:
Same method as above however your chains will need to measure about 23″/59cm long.

**Make 3 strips, ensure to leave one strip with a long tail (about 15″/40cm) for sewing. **

NOTES:

• Use foundation double crochet method if you know how rather than making single chains at the start
• I used 8 ply yarn and 4mm crochet hook for this headband – I ended up with 83 chains to measure 19.5″
• Don’t make the braids too tight or too loose – a nice, relaxed tension will do

Once you’ve made the 3 strips, it’s time to braid the headband.

At the start we skipped the first 3 chains then worked double crochets in each chain stitch along and at the end we chained 3 – we will use the spaces between the chains and stitches to join the ends together.

1. Gather your strips and using the long sewing yarn tail, sew through all 3 strips on one end (sew through between those 3 chains and stitches).
2. Place your strips on a flat surface. Put a little heavy weight on top so the strips don’t move (optional).
3. Braid the strips together all the way to the end.
4. Bring the 2 ends of the headband together.
5. Using the same sewing yarn tail, sew through all 3 strips of the other end (sew through between the 3 chains and stitches).
6. Sew the ends together by weaving the tail in and out through both ends of the strips about 5 times.
7. Wrap the tail tightly in the middle about 6 – 8 times.
8. Sew the yarn tail through the back.
9. Make a tight knot to secure it.  Hide yarn tail and snip excess yarn.

That’s all there is to it.  This is a quick and easy project and it looks great. Make them in your favourite colours, use your favourite yarn, make it chunky or thin.  Make a few and give as gifts.

Enjoy the rest of your week and happy crocheting!

 

MJ

 

Like my Facebook page and follow me on Instagram to see upcoming projects, patterns, tutorials and store updates.